Overhead door construction



Jan. 4, 1944. A v ROWE' 338,205

OVERHEAD DOOR CONSTRUCTION Filed June 10, 1942 5 Sheets-SheejkI 1 IN VEN TOR.

Jan. 4, 1944. A V, RQWE 2,338,25

OVERHEAD DOOR CONSTRUCTION Fileld June 10, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTUR.

@mfaa @if Jan. 4, 1944.

A. V. ROWE OVERHEAD DOOR CONS TRUC TION v3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 10, 1942 v--fm INVENT-oR. lafd .7/Jaa/e *B2 i @1M/0%@ Patented Jan. 4, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT oEFlcE OVERHEAD DOOR CONSTRUCTION Alvin V. Rowe, Galesburg, Ill., assignor to' Rowe Manufacturing Company,

corporation of Illinois Application June 1o, 1942, serial No. 446,421

Col. 16o- 191) 3 Claims.

templates a shiftable closure member having the counterbalancing spring or mechanism shiftable as a unit with the door. In fact, the present invention is particularly concerned with the use of a torsion type counterbalancing spring mechanism which includes a drum, a shaft, and a coiled spring encircling the shaft to constantly urge the drum in a given direction of rotation. I am aware that it is old to employ shiftable closure members equipped with the aforesaid type of counterbalancing spring and a drum rotated thereby which is connected with a iiexible lifting element. Such a construction is disclosed' in the patent to Smith, No. 1,965,478. In this device, as in the device contemplated by the present invention, the tension of the torsion spring is increased as the closure is moved downwardly due to the rotation of a drum mounted upon a shaft, the drum periphery having one extremity of a flexible lifting element or cable connected thereto, the other extremity of the cable being secured in a fixed position.

While the counterbalancing mechanism as shown in the aforesaid Smith patent is applicable in instances where it is desired tov mount the spring within the confines or bounding planes of i the closure member, the present invention is concerned with a distinct improvement. This improvement includes the combination with a shiftable door member of an externally positioned torsion type counterbalancing mechanism.

More specifically. the present invention contemplates a shiftable door construction equipped with a counterbalancing mechanism mounted on the inner surface of the door memberV and a lifting sheave or pulley spaced fromv the margin of the door member a sufficient distance tov permit the interpositioning of a guide track.

Another object of the present' invention is to provide in combination with a shiftable door member, as set forth above, a torsion type counterbalancing mechanism which is so arranged that none of the constituent parts thereof project beyond the plane of the outer surface of the door member. In other words, the' counterbalancingl Galesburg,l Ill., a'

mechanism supported by the4 door structureyis, such as to permit ofthe adjacent positioning of the outer surface of the door with the complementary surface of a door jamb during the ver; tical shifting and final positioning oflthe door member. By having no portion of the counterbalancing mechanism projecting beyond the outer face' of the door member, thereby enabling direct sealing engagement of the door element, withv the doorv jamb, the amount of headroorn required for purposes of installation is kept to;

a minimum. Infact', it is'an object of ymy invention to provide a door structure which may beA shifted between vertical closed position and openV overhead position in instances where only 13@ inches of headroom isvavailable.

, forth above wherein the torsion type counterbalancing spring mechanisms carried near theM lower margin of the door at each corner thereofare of relatively short length, at most from 12 to 15 inches, thereby presenting sufficient space: between them to accommodate a vehicle such as, an automobile, said counterbalancing mechanisms extending downwardly from the door in. its overhead position a relatively small amount.v not to exceed 3 or 4 inches.

The foregoing and numerous other objects and advantages will be more, apparent from the fol-Q lowing detailed description when considered im connection' with the accompanying drawing s j wherein:

Fig. 1' is alvertical sectional view of a door,-4x structure' constructed in accordance with thejwj teachings of the present invention, said view, being taken substantially along the line l-l of Fig.. 2g; I

Fig. 2` is an elevational View of the above mentioned door structure taken substantially along, the line 2 2 of Fig. 1, the door sections in both Figs. l and 2 being shown in their closed vertical position;

Fig. 3` is a fragmentary .vertical sectional view, similar to the upper portion of Fig.` 1, disclosing the door sections occupying their open overhead position;`

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view' of the upper left hand corner of Fie.Y

l, to more clearly illustrate the switch mechanism for directing the guide rollers of the uppermost panel to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 4;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of Fig. 4, the uppermost door section and associated guide roller being shown in the position where the jecting portion of the roller shaftyi Fig. 6 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line 6 6 of Fig. 4 disclosing the manner in which one end of the flexible lifting element is secured in a fixed position;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentaryhorizontal sectional view across the lower portion of the lowermost door panel, showing the detailed arrangement of the torsional counterbalancing mechanism, said section being taken substantially along the line 'I-'I of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a detailed vertical sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of Fig. 7 to more clearly illustrate the bracket for supportinggone extremity of the torsion spring shaft; v

Fig. 10 is a view-similar toF-gl 2 with the door sections occupying their overhead positions and the outline of an automobile indicated to illustrate the manner in which counterbalancing mechanisms are disposed so as to eliminate interference with the upper structure of an automobile; and Y Fig. 11 is a sectional view similartoFig. 4 disclosing the manner in whichvthe upper margin of the uppermost door section is guided as it shifts rearwardly so as to prevent any appreciable projection of the door marginabove the track structure.

Referring now to the` drawings more in detail whereinl like numerals have been employed to designate similar partsthroughoutthe various figures, it will be seen that one embodimentof the present invention includes a door structure having a plurality of hingedly connected door sections I0, I2, I4 and I6. Suitable hingesv I8 serve to connect the ldoor sections along their adjacent margins. Each of the hinges I8 supports a guide roller 20 and for purposes of clearness indescription these rollers 20 will be referred to as intermediate rollers to distinguish from rollers 22 carriedadjacent the lower margin of the lowermost door section I0 and rollers 24 carried at the upper margin of the uppermost door section I6.

The intermediate rollers 20 and the rollers 22 are adapted to be shifted along a vertical guidewayor'track 26 and a. connecting curved track section 28 in shifting between the vertical door closing position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to the open or overhead position shown in Fig. 3.v The intermediate rollers 20, as well as the rollers 24, move within a horizontal track section 38, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. n

As the door sections III- I6 shift from the open overhead .position shown in Fig. 3 vtoward the verticalclosed position shown in` Fig. 1,`the rollers 22 move downwardly within thecurved track section 28 and thence into thevertical track section switch mechanismisinitially engaged by the profe.

26. Likewise, the intermediate rollers 26 move` along .the horizontal track section 38 into the curved sectionl 28 and nally into the vertical track section 26. As the roller 24 approaches the curved track section 28, a projection 32 associated with each roller 24 moves into engagement with a complementary link 34 of a switch mechanism designated generally by the numeral 36. Continued forward movement causes the link 34 to be shifted downwardly and this results in the simultaneous downward movement of a second link or track element 38 which has a pin and slot connection with the movable extremity of the link 34. The opposite extremity of the link 34 is pivoted in a fixed position at 40. Similarly, the link or track element 38 is pivotally mounted at 42. W'hen the link members 34 and 38 have been shifted into horizontal alignment, the link member 38 provides a guideway for the roller 24 and directs the roller horizontally on to an auxiliary track section 44 extending forwardly from the horizontal track section 30. The forward extremity of the auxiliary track section 44 terminates in a downwardly curved portion 46. This enables the roller 24 to move to a position as shown in Fig. 4 Where the upper door section I6 sealingly engages the inner surface of the header structure 48. In this connection it will be understood that the switch elements or links 34 and 38 are continuously urged-.toward the upper position illustrated in Figs. l and 4 through the agency of a coiled spring (not shown) encircling the pivot 42. This spring constantly urges the element 38 upwardly.

When the door sections are initially shifted from their closed vertical position, shown in Fig. 1, toward their open overhead position, illustrated in Fig. 3, the upper extremity or edge of the doorsection I6 is guided by the roller 24 within the auxiliary track section 44, and the engagement of the roller 24with the track element 38 causes the link members 34 and 38 to again be shifted downwardly so as to guide the roller 24 into the horizontal track section 36. The intermediate rollers 20 and the lower rollers 22 move upwardly within the vertical track section 26 and thence along the curved section 28 into the horizontal section 30 to the position illustrated in Fig. 3. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that at no time do any portions of the door sections appreciably project above the upper plane of the track structure as they are moved between Vertical and horizontal position.

Bearing in mind the manner in which the door sections shift between vertical and horizontal position, attention is now directed to the counterbalancing mechanisms designated generally by the numeral 50. There are two of these mechanisms 56, one associated with each lower corner of the door section I8 on the inner surface thereof. Inasmuch as both mechanisms 50 are identical, a description of one will sufilce. Each mechanism includes brackets 52 and 54 mounted upon and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the door section I0. 'Ihis is the surface which is lowermost when the door sections 0ccupy their open overhead position, as shown in Fig. 3. The bracket 52 and a plate member 55 carried by the bracket 54 support a shaft member 56, one end of which supports a drum or rotary cable guiding member 58. A torsional counterbalancing spring 68 helically encircles lthe shaft 56, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 7. When rotation is imparted to the drum 58 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7, the tension of the coiled spring 60 is increased so as to exert a tendency. to effect rotation of the drum` 58 in a clockwise direction. One extremity of a flexible lifting element or cable 62 is secured to wardlyand rearwardly to a coupling member 64 assegna which: is pivotally connected with a bracket 66 secured to the horizontal track structure, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 41 and 6. Thus, as the door sections Ill-I6 move from their open overhead position, shown in Fig. 3, toward their closed vertical' position, shown in Figs.. 1 and 2, the drum` 58: rotates sol as to increase the tension of the torsion spring 60'. The degree to which the tension is built up within the coils of the spring 6U. determines. thev counterbalancing effect of the spring. In other words, the tension set up withinthe coiled spring 60 tends to. counteract the weightl of thev door sections when they occupy their vertical closed position. A suitable housing or cover member 68' partially encircles the drum 5.8. and the adjacent portion of the. coiled spring 611', and serves. as a guard toprevent physical contact with the rotating drum during the shifting of they door sections;

It will'` be, noted that the. shaft 56 is normally secured against: rotation'within the bracket 52 by'means, of a pin 69, Fig. 9. To adjust the tension of` the spring; 601 it is only necessary to remove the locking pin 69 and insert a suitable turning tool (not shown) within an aperture 'H in the shaft 56 Fig. 7. The series of apertures 13, Fig. 9,v within the shaft 56 enables the pinto be inserted after the shaft has been rotated through 90. The drum 58 rotates upon the shaft 5.6 and is connected to o-ne extremity of the coiled spring B0, the opposite extremity of the coiled spring 60 being secured against rotation adjacent the bracket 52" as illustrated in Fig. 7.

Particular attention is directed to the fact that the torsion spring 60 and its associated parts, such as the shaft 56 and the drum 58 are so positioned that the coils of the spring 60 clear the inner margin of the vertical track section 26, see Figs. 7 and 8. It will also be noted that by reason of the aforesaid mounting, the drum 58 is positioned beyond or externally of the side surface of the vertical track section 26 and the outer periphery of the drum is located well within the plane of the outer surface of the door section I0. Thus, when the door sections are shifted from their closed vertical position to their open overhead position, no portion of the structure of the counterbalancing mechanism projects beyond the aforesaid outer surface. By reason of this construction, no headroom is required to accommodate any part of the counterbalancing mechanism. Also, by having the drum 58 positioned outwardly with respect to the guide track 26, it is possible to locate the axis of the guide roller 22 in such a position Vthat it may be guided within a vertical track structure secured directly to the door frame. Thus the door sections are adapted to directly and sealingly engage the door jamb 10.

By having the vertical track sections 26 secured directly to the door frame, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the use of spacing brackets is avoided and hence the cost of installation is reduced. In order to position the rollers 22 so that they will follow within the track section 25, these rollers are supported by one extremity of a companion arm 12, Fig. 7, the opposite extremity of the arm 12 being secured to one extremity of a shaft 14 mounted along the inner surface of the door section lll. In fact, each of the intermediate rollers 26 is similarly mounted on arms extending from the pintles 16, Fig. 2, forming a part vof the hinges I8.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the counterbalancing mechanisms 50 may be mounted Without in any Way altering the structural details of the door sections. In fact, all thatV is necessary is to mount the brackets 52-54 in the position shown and this automatically positions the elements of the counterbalancing mechanism free from interference with. the door or track structures and positively prevents any projection outwardly with respect to the door sections as these sections are shifted to their uppermost position.

It will also be apparent that by reason of the structural design heretofore described the door sections may be moved vertically in juxtaposition with respect to the door jambs and may inv fact be brought into sealing engagement with` said jambs.

It is also of importance to note that the use' of the switch mechanism 36 in combination with the aforesaid positioning of the counterbalancing mechanisms enables the use of the guide rollers '14` immediately adjacent the upper edge of the door section I6 and thus assures tight sealing engagement of the door section with the header 4.8 and prevents projection oi the upper margin of the door section I6 beyond the upper limits of the horizontal guide track 30 during theshift-fing between vertical and horizontal positions. By having the flexible lifting element or cable 62 positioned outside of the guide track 26, interference of the cable. with the guide rollers is completely avoided and no special or auxiliaryYV guiding means for the cable is required other than the drum 58 hereinbefore described.

This positioning of the cable 62 externally of the guide track 26 enables the use of a relatively short pintle or shaft 18, Fig, 7, for supporting the guide rollers 22, as well as a similarly short pintle for supporting the auxiliary guide rollers 20. This structure makes for rigidity in support and resultant ease of operation. Having the vertical track structure positioned adjacent the side margins of the door sections Iii-I5 and the drums 58 positioned away from said door margins permits of the use of conventional hinges and hence materially reduces the cost of hardware as comi pared with hinges or other hardware parts of special design.

The structural design 0f the above described counterbalancing mechanisms is such that the coiled springs do not extend inwardly from the side margins of the door any appreciable distance nor does the spring pulley and cover therefor extend downwardly any appreciable distance when the door sections occupy their overhead position, as clearly illustrated in Fig. l0. It has been possible to employ counterbalancing mechanisms constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention which extend inwardly from the sides of the door margins from 12 to 15 inches. That is to say, only 20 per cent of the total width of the door opening is required for the counterbalancing mechanisms, leaving per cent between the mechanisms for accommodating the roof of an automobile, as illustrated in Fig. l0. It has also been found possible to so arrange the counterbalancing mechanism as to require only from 3 to 4 inches of space iaterally from the inner surface of the lowermost door section. This lateral distance being positioned to one side of the door opening does not in any sense interfere with the roof of the car, as will be clear from the drawings.

Not only is the door structure extremely economical from the standpoint of manufacture, due to the simplicity of the constituent parts thereof, but said door structure may be installed with a minimum amount of skill and effort in in-l stances where a very small amount of headroom is available. f

Obviously the invention is not limited to the structural details disclosed and described herein but is capable of other modifications and changes without departing from the spirit `and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. An overhead door construction including upright guideWa-ys, a door section shiftable in said guideways, means for guiding said door section between vertical position in said guideways and open overhead position, counterbalancing mechanism including a shaft, a counter-balancing spring associated with said shaft and a drum carried by said shaft for receiving a flexible lifting element, supports extending inwardly from the inner surface of said door section adjacent the lower extremity thereof for mounting the shaft of said counterbalancing mechanism in spaced relation to the inner surface of the door section and clearing the guideway with the drum on said shaft spaced from the side margin of the door section so that said vertical guideway is positioned between said drum and side margin, the spring being' located inwardly with respect to said vertical guideway, and a flexible lifting element secured at one extremity to said drum and at its other extremity in a fixed overhead position so that as the door section shifts toward its vertical door closing position counterbalancing tension will be developed within said spring.

2. An overhead `door construction including upright guideways, a door section shiftable in said guideways, means for guiding said door section between vertical position in said guideways and open overhead position, counterbalancing mechanism including a shaft, a counterbalancing.

surface of the door section and in offset relation to the guicleway, said spring being mounted on said shaft for tensioning upon rotation of the drum and said drum being mounted on said shaft' in spaced relation to the side margin of the doorv section so that said vertical guideway is positioned between said drum and side margin, and a exible lifting element secured at one extremity to said drum and at its other extremity in a xed overhead position so that as the door section shifts toward its vertical door closing position counterbalancing tenison will be developed within said spring.

3. An overhead door construction as set forth in claim 2, wherein two counterbalancing mechanisms are supported by the door section, one near each lower corner thereof, and a flexible lifting element associated with the drum of each counterbalancing mechanism.

ALVIN V. ROWE. 

